Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman watches from the dugout during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. / David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports

by John Fay, USA TODAY Sports

by John Fay, USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO - Before this 10-day trip is over, the Cincinnati Reds will be searching for volunteers to take batting practice against Aroldis Chapman. It will likely be a short list.

"Very true," Reds manager Bryan Price said.

But Chapman is ready to take a huge step in his comeback from getting hit in the face by a line drive on March 19.

"He's feeling great and throwing great," Price said. "There was a question asked at home when is he going to be capable of doing PFP (pitcher's fielding practice) and be on the field where he could be in harm's way. He's been given the green light to do all that. PFP, live batting practice.

"Our concern initially was anything that could come up and hit him in the face and then he would be at higher risk for further injury. He's been given clearance on that. He's full go in that regard. I have a feeling by the end of this trip he'll at least be throwing batting practice."

That will be followed by a rehab assignment in the minors. Price thinks Chapman will be back on the active roster "in a month."

Chapman is physically ready to pitch, but the mental hurdle is another one he has to get by.

"I don't know if we can really answer that question until he goes out and faces hitters in game situations," Price said. "That could be here in next 10 to 12 to 14 days. Everybody's different. There's no way of knowing."